Major League Soccer

Agoos remains biggest winner in league annals.

When the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Chicago Fire 4-2 in MLS Cup 2003, Jeff Agoos captured his fifth MLS championship while making his sixth final appearance in the league's eight seasons.-- San Jose Earthquakes web site photo --

CARSON, Calif. (Sunday, November 23, 2003) -- There's one thing about winning -- it never grows old. And there is no one in Major League Soccer who knows that better than San Jose Earthquakes defender Jeff Agoos.

In MLS Cup 2003 -- the league's eighth championship match -- Agoos played in his sixth final and captured his fifth title when the San Jose Earthquakes downed the Chicago Fire 4-2 at Home Depot Center. No one else in MLS has played in more than four finals or been part of more than three championships.

Agoos was an essential part of D.C. United's run in which it advanced to the first four MLS Cups with the club winning the crown in 1996, 1997 and 1999. After a trade, San Jose earned its first league championship in 2001, Agoos' first season there.

"It doesn't get old," Agoos said after practice Friday. "Each one has been different, the situations have been different. Each one has been special and this year is certainly no different. After the first year with United, people kind of expected us to be there, so we had to work that much harder to fulfill the expectations. With San Jose, especially this year, we thought we could do it, but few others did, so we've been working since January 25 to show we can win again."

Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop values Agoos, naming the 35-year-old his team captain and relying heavily on his leadership.

"No one in this league has more experience," Yallop said. "He's like an assistant coach for me. He transmits what I want to the team, on the field and off, and not only is he still playing well, but he constantly organizes the back line. He's been invaluable and remains so."

Against the Fire this afternoon, Agoos, who shed his trademark ponytail this year for a more close-cropped look, played as the left back after spending most of the season in the middle. After falling behind the Los Angeles Galaxy by an aggregate 4-0 in the first 115 minutes of their Western Conference semifinal series, Agoos was moved outside to be able to help get into the attack.

"I'm comfortable either outside or in the middle," Agoos said. "It's worked well the last two games, so we'll continue it on Sunday."

MLS commissioner Don Garber is quick to point out Agoos is one of the league's stars and most important players since its inception. "He's an inspiration for everyone playing in this league," Garber said. "His sixth appearance is a great accomplishment."

Chicago coach Dave Sarachan is another huge Agoos fan, having served as an assistant at D.C. United during the glory years and also coaching Agoos as Bruce Arena's assistant on the national team.

"I've known Jeff as a player for 18 years now and he has become one of my closest friends," Sarachan said. "He's the ultimate competitor. He may not be quite as quick as he used to be, but his competitiveness is greater, if anything. Handling him will be one of our biggest challenges on Sunday."

Agoos is scheduled to be married in Connecticut in December and Sarachan will be one of the guests. The two poked fun at each other after the annual pre-MLS Cup press conference.

"I'll be there and I'll bring the Cup with me," Sarachan promised.

"Nah, I'll have it there waiting for you," Agoos countered.

Agoos got the last laugh.

Some thought this might be Agoos' final year, but watching the 41-year-old Preki named MLS "Player of the Year," dispelled any such thoughts for the Dallas native. "Look at him," he said of Preki. "I've got years left. Being in these finals makes me feel young."

Robert Wagman is a SoccerTimes senior correspondent and can be e-mailed at bobwagman@soccertimes.com.